January 18, 2011

Chuck Jones Interview

Here's an excellent interview with animation legend Charles M. Jones, it serves both as a nice biography and a history of animation.

He was interviewed for three hours in Orange County, CA. Jones fondly recalled developing and directing such notable Looney Toons characters as: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Pepe Le Pew, Wile E. Coyote, and Road-Runner. He spoke about the early days of Hollywood's animation industry in the 1930's, as well as joining the Leon Schlesinger studio in 1933. Jones described the animation process, the importance of story, and the challenges of directing a cartoon; specifically directing the successful 1967 television special, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The interview was conducted by Tom Sito on June 17, 1998.

It becomes quite inspirational about 13 minutes into part 1, talking about the animation industry and the importance of life drawing.